Once Bridges and Charlotte finalize a deal, it will likely help the NBA finish their investigation and give Bridges a suspension for his role in an offseason arrest that’s dried up his market as a free agent and left him off a roster a quarter of the way through the season. The length of the suspension is unclear.

.@MilesBridges AT THE BUZZER#AllFly pic.twitter.com/B4isBaxEEH

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) March 20, 2022

Bridges averaged 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game and have been a cornerstone member of the Hornets franchise since he was drafted 12th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. As a restricted free agent, many around the League expected Bridges to draw a $100 million plus offer sheet that Charlotte likely would’ve matched. His offseason actions changed that market, as stated above.

Charlotte (8-24) has dealt with some injury woes with LaMelo Ball, specifically missing double-digit games due to ankle injuries. Signing Bridges will help Charlotte upgrade their roster at the wing and will bring some entertainment and physicality to a lineup looking to make a run for a play-in seed and a spot in the playoffs.

The post REPORT: Negotiations Heating Up Between Hornets and Miles Bridges appeared first on SLAM.

Charlotte is dismissing coach James Borrego, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 22, 2022

Charlotte has reached the play-In tournament for consecutive seasons and has improved by 10 wins in each of the past three seasons. However, Charlotte hasn’t won a game in the tournament in either of its appearances, despite their regular-season improvement and the development of SLAM 237 cover star LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. Borrego went 138-163 during his Hornets tenure.

The Hornets finished the season ranked 10th in the East with a 43-39 record.

The post REPORT: Charlotte Hornets Let Go of Head Coach James Borrego appeared first on SLAM.

After Atlanta outscored the Hornets 42-24 in the third quarter, the game was never in doubt. But unlike Charlotte’s play-in tournament blowout last year to the Indiana Pacers, some actions from Hornets forward Miles Bridges have the attention of the League office.

The Michigan State product was ejected in the fourth quarter after receiving double technical fouls for arguing a non-call at one end of the floor and then charging toward an official after a personal foul and goaltending call on the other.

Miles Bridges was ejected after arguing this goaltend call. pic.twitter.com/ijvc7SxlNF

— ESPN (@espn) April 14, 2022

After the ejection and being restrained by teammates, Bridges was seen throwing his mouthpiece into the stands at a heckling Hawks fan waving goodbye. Instead of hitting that fan, it hit a 16-year-old girl in the face.

Miles Bridges appears to throw his mouthpiece at a fan after getting ejected pic.twitter.com/IBznSPtxWR

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 14, 2022

To Bridges’ credit, he took immediate responsibility for his outburst after the game, even tweeting a video of the incident with the caption, “Somebody get me in contact with the young lady. That’s unacceptable.”

Somebody get me in contact with the young lady. That’s unacceptable. https://t.co/MlLZjMgcBF

— Miles Bridges (@MilesBridges) April 14, 2022

Bridges tried to explain his actions after the game via CBSSports.com.

“I let my temper get the best of me. That was definitely the wrong thing to do by throwing my mouthpiece,” Bridges said after the game. “I was aiming for the guy that was screaming at me, and it hit the little girl, so that’s definitely unacceptable on my part, and I take full responsibility, and I’m ready for any consequences that the NBA may give me.

“That’s on me. That’s out of character for me. … I was definitely wrong, a lot of emotions. Hopefully, I can get in contact with the little girl and sincerely apologize to her and do something nice for her.”

Bridges will likely face disciplinary action from the NBA, which puts a damper on a breakout season that made him a top candidate for Most Improved Player this season. He finished the game with 12 points, four rebounds, and four assists.

The post Miles Bridges Apologizes To Fan For Throwing Mouthpiece After Ejection appeared first on SLAM.

James posted a photo from SLAM Kicks on his Instagram story of Banchero tying his blue and white LeBron 11s with the caption “PAOLO VIBEZ!!!! 11’s GO CRAZY. AND BY THE WAY HE SO TOUGH!!! SEATTLE GOT ANOTHER 1.”

After James’ posted on his IG story, Banchero shared his reaction on Twitter:

The Seattle-native, who is currently projected to be a top-lottery pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, recently told SLAM that “part of my mission is to try to put Seattle on the map and get us as much recognition as I can.”

He’s also caught the attention of Tacoma, Washington’s own Isaiah Thomas, who recently tweeted about him as well, writing, “So when @Pp_doesit is the #1 pick in next years draft what will they say about our state then?? Lol we just keep producing!!!”

On Tuesday, Charlotte Hornets’ Miles Bridges saluted Banchero’s skills by quote-tweeting him with the words, “Paolo Banchero got game” and fire emojis after Duke’s 79-71 win over Kentucky at the Champions Classic. Banchero finished with 22 points and seven rebounds.

As Banchero continues to impress, he’s got a message for Duke fans:

“As far as Duke fans, you’re going to see me playing extremely hard, playing with energy,” he says in his SLAM 235 cover story. “Seeing us [all] play extremely hard and play with energy. We got a lot of talent all over the floor, all over the squad. I think it’s going to be a great year, a fun year. So just be on the lookout for that. Don’t miss it.

Oh yeah, and he’s got a few words for hoop fans as well: “And then basketball fans in general…Some might not know me, but they will soon.”

Learn more about Duke’s star freshman in SLAM 235, the New World Issue.

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The post ‘HE SO TOUGH’: LeBron James and Players Around the League Show Love to Duke’s Paolo Banchero appeared first on SLAM.

“I had to make up for the missed dunk in New York,” Brown says, per MassLive. “So my teammates was teasing me a little bit. It was just a good play. Miles, obviously, is one of the better athletes in the league, so I knew that if I tried to lay it up, he was going to send it back to Boston…So, I was going up with bad intentions.”

Bridges then took to social media after the game, tweeting: “Also imma jump everytime down 3 in an overtime game or anytime the game on the line!! Helluva play!!”

Although Brown sat out of the matchup against the Rockets due to knee soreness, he still managed to pop off against the Hornets with 30 points, nine rebounds and 3 dimes.

“I think last year was more chronic,” Brown added, per MassLive. “I think this year is just a spike just because of the amount of minutes coming out the gate from the double-overtime game, being in quarantine, et cetera, only having one day to come back. I think this one was just more of an isolated incident.

“It kind of dragged out all season. I’m hoping that’s not going to be the case here. So I think they’re just being cautious of that because they don’t want it to bother me all season long. I don’t think it will.”

Brown’s performance, alongside a 41-point game from teammate Jayson Tatum, helped will the Celtics to their second win of the season. They’ll take on the Wizards on Wednesday night.

The post ‘I Was Going Up With Bad Intentions’: Jaylen Brown on Monster Dunk Against Miles Bridges appeared first on SLAM.

Bridges had a breakout season last year averaging 12.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.

Bridges would provide a strong skill set to the Hornets that could warrant a long-term, expensive contract. As a 6-foot-6 combo forward that brings elite spot-up shooting, improved defense and athleticism to play multiple positions, if Miles is not locked up to a deal, he will be in high demand as a restricted free agent next offseason.

What Charlotte is looking at is the minimal amount of cap space after giving a max deal to Terry Rozier earlier this offseason—they now have two players with max level deals on the roster in Rozier and Gordon Hayward.

With Miles Bridges putting together a really strong preseason, head coach James Borrego could place him into the starting lineup on opening night.

The post REPORT: Hornets Talking Contract Extension With Miles Bridges appeared first on SLAM.

On Tuesday afternoon, third-year forward Miles Bridges was ruled out for the next 10–14 days (per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium) after entering the NBA’s health and safety protocols.

The Hornets, currently 31-33 and eighth in the Eastern Conference standings, just received an adrenaline boost in the form of a healthy LaMelo Ball.

However, with Bridges being both one of Ball’s favorite passing targets and Charlotte’s best defenders, his extended absence could cause the Hornets to fall out of the playoff race.

Charlotte is just 1.5 games ahead of the 10th-seed Washington Wizards but 3.5 games back of the sixth-seeded Miami Heat.

Bridges, having the best season of his career, is averaging 12.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.8 blocks and 0.7 steals per game, while shooting a career-high .506 percent from the field and .405 percent from 3-point range.

The post Miles Bridges to Miss 10–14 Days Due to Health and Safety Protocols appeared first on SLAM.

The post Miles Bridges GOES CRAZY at Money Ball Pro-Am! 360 EASTBAY IN-GAME DUNK 🤯 appeared first on SLAM.

Wearing a Superman “S” under his jersey, the 20-year-old from Queens solidified the win after throwing down a honey dip dunk OVER Shaquille O’Neal.

Check out all of the night’s dunks below.

John Collins grabbed the corner of the backboard #ATTSlamDunk (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/10VoEPAJKr

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 17, 2019

Hami TOOK OFF from the baseline  #ATTSlamDunk (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/o5mXVOslxu

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 17, 2019

DSJ gets a 4⃣5⃣ for his first dunk of the night #ATTSlamDunk (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/Ju4xjp9K9R

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 17, 2019

Miles Bridges can get a 5⃣0⃣ for the LJ jersey AND the dunk! #ATTSlamDunk (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/yNq7jD3Xdk

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 17, 2019

John Collins cleared for takeoff! #ATTSlamDunk (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/REMHFboDMX

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 17, 2019

NC's FINEST! Dennis Smith Jr over J. Cole! #ATTSlamDunk (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/rQgB6LF3kC

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 17, 2019

SHEESH! Hami with the honey dip over SHAQ! #ATTSlamDunk (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/VodNYIwgBc

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 17, 2019

GET UP, @hamidoudiallo! #ATTSlamDunk pic.twitter.com/gxPb5Z4PWt

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 17, 2019

Dennis Smith Jr WINDMILLED over D-Wade for the 50! #ATTSlamDunk (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/lYpN2VgvXX

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 17, 2019

Hamidou Diallo is the 2019 Dunk Champ! Remember the name #HAMI (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/r0HhoCVNXV

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 17, 2019

The post Every Dunk from the 2019 NBA Slam Dunk Contest 💥 appeared first on SLAM.

Bridges, 20, announced on Wednesday that he hired Rich Paul of Klutch Sports to be his agent.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg3rrajlEMl/

God couldn’t have placed me in a better place for these last two years. I wanna thank Coach Izzo and the rest of the coaching staff for giving a skinny kid from Flint a chance to play at such a legendary program.

I would like to thank the academic support for helping me out everyday. I also want to thank Spartan Nation for welcoming me with open arms into their community and school.

And last but not least I would like to thank my teammates for the bond and memories that we will share for a lifetime. I will be a spartan for life no matter what!!

With that being said I am entering the 2018 NBA draft and I am signing with Rich Paul and @klutchsports

RELATED:
Miles Bridges Pays $40 To Charity Of Choice To Resolve NCAA Violation

The post Miles Bridges Hires Agent, Declares For 2018 NBA Draft appeared first on SLAM.

Documents published by Yahoo Sports last week stating that Bridges and his family accepted money (a $400 payment and $70.05 for dinner) from Christian Dawkins, a former employee of NBA agent Andy Miller, led Michigan State to launch an internal review of those claims. Bridges maintains that he has never met Dawkins and that no one in his family has taken money from him.

The investigation determined that the allegations related to those payments were not true, but also revealed a separate NCAA violation – that Bridges’ family members had dinner with an agent last winter without his knowledge.

Bridges was temporarily deemed ineligible until the NCAA declared Saturday that he would be reinstated. As part of that process, the MSU forward had to donate $40, the value of the dinner, to a charity of his choice.

RELATED
Report: FBI Uncovers Potential NCAA Violations By More Than 25 Players, 20 Schools

The post Miles Bridges Pays $40 To Charity Of Choice To Resolve NCAA Violation appeared first on SLAM.

According to Yahoo’s Pat Forde and Pete Thamel, at least 25 players are linked to impermissible benefits, including Michigan State’s Miles Bridges, Alabama’s Collin Sexton and Duke’s Wendell Carter.

Current NBA players Kyle Kuzma, Dennis Smith Jr, Markelle Fultz and Bam Adebayo were also among the players who received payments from ASM.

.@YahooSports exclusive: Federal documents taken from ASM Sports in hoops corruption case reveal extensive potential NCAA violations. Docs show some of the biggest stars and programs in the sport, including more than 20 schools and 25 players. https://t.co/N6zcAD3IRY

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 23, 2018

The documents show an underground recruiting operation that could create NCAA rules issues – both current and retroactive – for at least 20 Division I basketball programs and more than 25 players. […]

There’s potential impermissible benefits and preferential treatment for players and families of players at Duke, North Carolina, Texas, Kentucky, Michigan State, USC, Alabama and a host of other schools.

The documents link some of the sport’s biggest current stars – Michigan State’s Miles Bridges, Alabama’s Collin Sexton and Duke’s Wendell Carter – to specific potential extra benefits for either the athletes or their family members.

The amounts tied to players in the case range from basic meals to tens of thousands of dollars.

RELATED:
Report: ‘As Many As 50 Programs’ Could Be Implicated In College Basketball Corruption Cases

The post Report: FBI Uncovers Potential NCAA Violations By More Than 25 Players, 20 Schools appeared first on SLAM.

Under legendary head coach Tom Izzo, Michigan State is a perennial powerhouse, churning out pro players and victories over the top programs in college basketball. The ’16-17 season was the team’s worst since 2010-11, when the Spartans went 19-15. But in April, the team and school got a dose of good news.

Miles Bridges was coming back for his sophomore year.

Bridges, a 6-7, 230 pound guard/forward who can jump out of the gym, was thought to be a one-and-done freshman. He shocked most of the basketball world when he announced his return.

“The main reason I came back was because I wrote my goals down when I was young and one of them was to win a National Championship,” Bridges says. “I didn’t want to go back on my goals. I knew we had a great team coming back and I knew I had to lead the team.”

Along with SLAM 212 cover subjects Missouri’s Michael Porter Jr and Duke’s Marvin Bagley III, Miles Bridges is in the conversation to potentially be the best player in college basketball this upcoming season. As a freshman, Bridges averaged 16.9 points, 8.3 boards, 2.1 assists and 1.5 blocks on 48.6 percent field-goal shooting and 38.9 percent from behind the arc. He was the first freshman to lead the Spartans in scoring since Shawn Respert did it during the 1991-92 season, was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, was a finalist for the Karl Malone Award, and was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team.

Capable of playing in the post or on the perimeter, Bridges is at his best when he’s on the break. He had more than a few Yo, I gotta check Twitter or IG immediately to see that over and over again dunks last year, and with a crowded frontcourt that will cause him to play on the wing more this upcoming season, expect to see Bridges flying down the court and putting plenty of opponents on posters. “I had to really work on my conditioning [this offseason] because I’m going to be playing the wing spot and doing a lot of running,” he says.

The super-talented Bridges grew up in Flint, MI, before heading east to close out his high school career at West Virginia’s Huntington Prep. He grew up admiring the late-’00s and early ’10s Michigan State teams that featured Draymond Green, Kalin Lucas and Adreian Payne, but Bridges is well aware of the program’s deep history and affiliation with his hometown. The 19-year-old joins the likes of Charlie Bell, Morris Peterson and Mateen Cleaves (aka “The Flintstones”) as Flint hoopers who stayed local to attend MSU.

“Flint produces tough basketball players,” Bridges says. “There’s open gyms with no fouls. The reason I became as good as I am is because I used to play with older kids and get mad over fouls. They would tell me, ‘You’re not getting that call, you gotta be tougher.’

“I’m tight with Mo Pete, Charlie and all the players who went to Michigan State. I grew up watching Michigan State—that’s how I really fell in love with basketball.”

With Bridges back in the fold, the Spartans enter the season as Big Ten favorites, a top-5 team in the nation (they rank No. 2 in the SLAM NCAA men’s rankings) and will undoubtedly be in the mix for a Final Four berth. Along with Miles, the team returns guards Cassius Winston, Josh Langford and Tum Tum Nairn Jr along with big man Nick Ward, and they’re welcoming Jaren Jackson Jr, a consensus top-10 recruit and potential top-10 pick in next year’s draft. Save for Jackson, the team has been through an up-and-down season together and are as battle tested as any squad in college hoops.

“We faced a lot of adversity and I feel like it’s something that’s going to really help us for this year,” Bridges says. “The main lesson is, all the little things count. One rebound can win you a game, and a missed rebound can lose you a game. It’s the little things that count in college.”

Before he bounces for the lavish lifestyle that the NBA provides, Bridges has a chance to make his mark and become one of the best players in Michigan State history—no small feat considering the talent that has passed through the university.

“I really love Michigan State basketball, and for me to be a key piece of this program is an honor,” he says. “It’s a blessing and I give all the glory to God for that. As a young kid from Flint, I never thought that I’d be in this position. It is an honor for me.”

—

Pete Walsh is a Senior Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @peter_m_walsh.

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Guess Who’s Back appeared first on SLAM.

Smith spent four years as a Spartan, putting up career numbers of 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 dimes. As he mentions below, he’s always stayed close to the Michigan State program.

SLAM: What have you seen from the youngin’, Miles Bridges?

Steve Smith: Oh, I mean! First of all, he’s a super kid. Not even talking about basketball.

SLAM: You’ve had a chance to spend some time with him?

SS: Michigan State guys, we interact. We’re different than any other program. We’re a real family. [Miles] is just a super human being. Take away his talent. He’s just smart. He does it the right way. He gets it. Then you start talking about on the court. Sky’s the limit.

You’re talking about a freshman who came in. It was hard. If you’re a senior or a freshman, they had a brutal schedule. They’ve had so many injuries. And he’s still playing at such a high level. Big Ten Freshman of the Year. I think he just made All-Big Ten Second Team.

I just went to the Maryland game. They lost in a heartbreaker, Melo Trimble hit a three. I think he has a chance, in March, to do something special. Athletically, he’s off the charts. But now I think the game is slowing down. You always hear that. The schedule Tom Izzo had them on, Duke, Kansas, Arizona, Baylor—everybody in the country.

SLAM: Coach Izzo’s known for that tough scheduling. Why does he do that?

SS: Why not? I think other programs now are jumping on the bandwagon. He’s made no excuse. Some people say the travel’s too much. He still schedules the same way. His whole thing is, I’ll play anybody, anywhere, any time.

SLAM: If you were playing for him, would you want that challenge?

SS: I want that challenge. The reason you want it as a player is you want to play against the best. The one thing I love about him is he’s not looking at his wins or losses. He’s not saying, Well I could be 32-1. I’m striving to win every game, but if we lose, it gets us better and more prepared.

SLAM: Who are you looking forward to seeing in the Tournament?

SS: The kid that I think has a chance to be real special is Josh Jackson. He’s from Detroit. He had a chance to go to Michigan State. He came to Kansas. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Josh Jackson.

Lonzo Ball, he’s captured college basketball. Caleb Swanigan, another kid that could have gone to Michigan State. He’s really come on.

Another kid I think people are forgetting is Josh Hart. They won the National Championship. And they lost a couple of players but they pretty much brought 85 percent of their team back.

SLAM: What’s Villanova’s chance of repeating?

SS: Their chance is just as good as anybody else because I don’t see that there’s a dominant team out there. We talk about great guard play, they have that. You talk about experience, then you go coaching. In the NBA I can say it’s more about players. But a lot of [the NCAA] is coaching. You’ve got Jay Wright. Don’t count them out.

The post Steve Smith on Miles Bridges, Villanova and the ’17 Tourney appeared first on SLAM.

Bridges, a Flint, MI native and consensus five-star recruit, headlines a stellar Spartans class and against Saginaw Valley, Bridges showed off his ridiculous bounce. The Huntington Prep caught an alley on the break and put an unsuspecting defender on a poster.

Bridges was flying all over the place and caught another huge alley earlier in the game:

Related
2016 Ballislife All-American Dunk Contest (VIDEO)
Stone Cole — SLAM Punks Feature

The post WATCH: Michigan State’s Miles Bridges Throws Down Monster Dunk appeared first on SLAM.

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The 15th edition of the Jordan Brand Classic took place last Friday in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Twenty of the top players in the Class of 2016 took the court for what would amount to many as the last game of their high school careers. Kentucky’s future backcourt emerged as the story of the night, with De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk being the only two players in game to surpass the 20-point mark and ultimately both earned co-MVP honors. Fox, who pushed his East Team to a 131-117 victory over the West, finished with a game-high 23 points and 5 rebounds.

For the West squad, Monk scored 22 points to go along with 5 boards. Other top performers included Washington-commit Markelle Fultz (19 points and 4 rebounds), Duke-commit Jayson Tatum (18 points and 8 rebounds), St. John’s commit Shamorie Ponds (17 points) and Miles Bridges (17 points and 4 rebounds). Scroll through the photo gallery and play the video above to check out some of the action.

For a behind-the-scenes look into some of the activities that the players partook in while in NYC last week, click here.

The post Jordan Brand Classic National Boys Game (PHOTOS + VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

“I was in the car on my way back from the tournament and I was watching it on the phone,” said the 6-7 small forward the following day. “I heard it on TV. It happened at around 10:45. It’s a great achievement that most kids don’t experience. I’m very blessed.”

Fittingly, receiving the news while on the move to Huntington is the perfect way to reflect on his prep career. The Flint, MI native starred at local Southwestern Academy as a freshman before opting to transfer out of state to Huntington Prep for his sophomore year.

“The decision to leave was tough because I was away from my mom,” say Bridges. “I was never away from her for a long time. I was away from my brothers and sisters, too. But it was a great decision because I grew as a player and as a person, on and off the court.”

He arrived just as 2014 No. 1 NBA Draft pick Andrew Wiggins graduated. Nonetheless, he still had some proving to do.

“My first year here, I was a role player coming off the bench,” recalls Bridges. “I wasn’t used to that. I was used to starting and being a star playing on the team. But we had a lot of older kids that were just as good if not better than me. I had to get over that.”

Among the players he played behind were San Diego State wing Montaque Gill-Caesar and Providence swingman Jalen Lindsey, both seniors during his sophomore year.

Today Bridge is a top-10 national prospect in the Class of ’16. Known for his explosiveness and assertiveness, Bridges now plans to return home for college after committing to Michigan State.

“I always heard about The Flintstones but never really got to watch them because I was too young,” says the future Spartan of the late-’90s MSU teams that featured four Flint natives and was responsible for three consecutive Final Four appearances and a National Championship in 2000. “I see them around all the time. I talk to Mateen [Cleaves] all the time—Mo Pete [Morris Peterson], Charlie Bell. The only time I really remember watching Michigan State was when Draymond Green was there and I became a fan then.”

The incoming 2016 class for the Spartans is already touted among the top three in all of college basketball, behind Kentucky and Duke, with two Michigan natives among those already signed. Detroit native and AAU teammate Cassius Winston, a point guard ranked in the top 30 nationally, committed to Tom Izzo last September, joining four-star prospects Josh Langford of Alabama and Nick Ward of Ohio in this fall’s incoming recruiting class.

“It’s a great coaching staff and it’s only 45 minutes away from home,” says Bridges, who averaged 22.8 points and 10 rebounds last summer at Nike’s Peach Jam, its EYBL circuit finale. “We have a great recruiting class. It’ll take me a while to get used to college but I feel like I’ll be comfortable and I’ll have teammates around me that I know and are very good. I want to continue what those other Flint guys did.”

—

Franklyn Calle is an Assistant Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @FrankieC7.

Portraits by Chris Razyok 

The post Stone Cold appeared first on SLAM.

With events in twenty cities throughout the country, The Grind Session pegs top players such as Josh Jackson, De’Andre Ayton, Thon Maker, and Miles Bridges against each other throughout the year. Rivalries are both made and settled, while also giving fans an opportunity to see some of the best high school basketball players in the USA without leaving their home turf. The Houston stop just was just another example of this, as fans, scouts, and college coaches all saw throughout the eight game slate in South Houston at Victory Prep.

Here are a few of the players who stood out from the Houston leg of The Grind Session:

DeAndre Ayton, 7-0, PF/C, Hillcrest Prep (AZ), 2017

The top player in the class of 2017 may have lost his running mate in Marvin Bagley due to transfer, but that didn’t stop him from showing out in Houston. A simply ridiculously fluid 7-footer, Ayton showed the type of inside/out game that made him the consensus top dog in the class. He showed off a soft jump hook, was exceptional running the floor, and hit countless jumpers out to the three point line facing up. While the KG comparisons may be a bit premature right now, the 36 and 14 that he put up certainly got the conversation going.

Onuralp Bitim, 6-5, SG, Huntington Prep (WV), 2017

A heralded overseas prospect, Bitim was a lade addition to this year’s Huntington Prep squad that looks like a whole new group than when we saw them against Oak Hill last month. At 6-foot-5, he showed off crazy court vision, had no problem creating his own shot, and proved that he could get up well above the rim on finishes. Onuralp’s high IQ and super skill level should make him one of the more highly sought after 2-guards in the class of 2017.

Curtis Jones, 6-3, PG/SG, Huntington Prep (WV), 2016

This was a totally different Curtis Jones than we saw versus Oak Hill, as he made it a point to let all onlookers know how serious of a prospect he is. “CuJO” shot the lights out from beyond the arc, was unstoppable going at the rack with his right hand, and seemingly got wherever he wanted on the court. Finishing up the night with 33 points and 5 dimes, Jones showed why Indiana fans are so excited to get him to Bloomington.

JJ Caldwell, 5-11, PG, SATCH (TX), 2016

One of the better pure point guards in the country, JJ Caldwell made it a point to get absolutely everyone the pill during SATCH’s upset victory over Hillcrest. With a build similar to that of Kyle Lowry, Caldwell busted out a great change of pace and was incredibly shifty attacking the rim. Not coincidentally, the Texas A&M recruit was named MVP after posting 14 points, 12 dimes, and 6 boards against Hillcrest.

Miles Bridges, 6-6, SF, Huntington Prep (WV), 2016

One of the better small forwards in the country, Miles Bridges came out on top of his matchup with top-5 junior Jarred Vanderbilt. The powerful lefty crushed the rim with his dunks, finished at the rim with both hands, and was a physically punishing defender. Bridges’ hard nosed style of play will allow him to fit in perfectly in East Lansing.

Jachai Taylor, 6-5, SF, Planet Athlete (AZ), 2016

A product of Waukegon, Illinois, Jachai Taylor made the move across the country for a post grad year and it has certainly paid off. Taylor showed off his crazy bounce on a number of dunks, has an explosive first step, and had no problem knocking down threes when left open. Still on the board, Taylor should have a chance to blow up for the late signing period.

Justin Whitfield, 6-5, SF, SATCH (TX), 2017

Another addition to the SATCH program, Justin Whitfield brought the type of diverse game that Hillcrest didn’t know how to match. He hit open three pointers, showed off nice court vision, and showed the ability to lock down on multiple positions. Things are just getting started in the recruiting process for Whitfield, who has heard from programs such as Rice, Stanford, and Tulsa.

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Pegging national powerhouses Oak Hill Academy and Huntington Prep against each other, the event literally brought just about everyone out of tiny Floyd, VA (population 425). With all proceeds going to the Chance Harman Memorial Fund, it was a charitable event that also served as a serious evaluation opportunity for scouts and coaches alike. Maryland, Miami, Virginia Tech, and Virginia all had coaches spotted in the crowd. There were numerous scouting services there and the remote gym was nearly packed wall to wall. Oak Hill ended up taking the two halves (the scoreboard reset at halftime) 47-32 and 53-37 respectively without the nation’s top senior, Harry Giles. The depth that this year’s Oak Hill unit showed was straight up ridiculous, but at the end of the night, it wasn’t about the score of this game; It was about celebrating Chance Harman’s life and finding a cure to cancer.

Here are a few of the players who stood out:

Khadim Sy, 6-10, C, Oak Hill Academy, 2016

With Harry Giles out, there wasn’t a single player who benefited more than Khadim Sy. Making the most of his opportunity, he showed out with a variety of nice moves on the block and was able to convert with either hand over the top of the D. He was also great running the floor, controlled his area of the glass, and played with confidence that we had never seen before out of him. Given his crazy improvement over the last few months, it should come as no surprise that he has a growing list of high major offers waiting for him.

Micah Thomas, 6-7, SF, Huntington Prep, 2016

Aside from Sy, Micah Thomas was the other guy who had some of the college coaches buzzing. The bouncy athlete drilled a number of deep three pointers, was elite finishing in transition, and had no problem getting to the foul line. Coming from Memphis to play for one of the country’s top prep powers should only allow Micah to add to his growing list of potential suitors that include Baylor, Memphis, and Iowa State.

Braxton Key, 6-7, SF/PF, Oak Hill Academy, 2016

The man formerly known as Braxton Blackwell showed why Avery Johnson was so ecstatic to get him locked up early in his senior year. A versatile player who can play either forward spot, Key let the game come to him and created mismatches all over the hardwood. He posted smaller defenders, drilled open three pointers, and played the game with a super smooth demeanor. Braxton and Terrance Ferguson will serve as two crucial pieces for the Little General turning things around in Tuscaloosa.

Matt Coleman, 6-2, PG, Oak Hill Academy, 2017

One of the fastest point guards in the country, Matt Coleman decided to take his game to one of the nation’s perennial powers for his junior campaign. The Hampton native is still learning how to control his pace, but the talent that he brings to the table is undeniable. He put the clamps on people defensively, had the ball flying up the floor in transition, and had no problem stopping on the dime full speed for pull-up J’s. As Matt continues to grow as a lead guard and learn how to change gears, he should see himself near the top of the 2017 point guard rankings.

Devontae Shuler, 6-3, SG/PG, Oak Hill Academy, 2017

A fearless scorer, Devontae Shuler made the move from tiny Irmo, SC to Oak Hill and showed that he could ball with the nation’s finest. The junior was great in transition, created scoring opportunities easily, and put the clamps on guys from either guard spot. Since exploding this summer, Shuler has picked up no shortage of BCS offers and will only continue to add more.

Miles Bridges, 6-6, SF, Huntington Prep

With Giles out, Miles Bridges was the marquee name of this matchup of prep powers. The Michigan State recruit started the game very slow by settling for too many contested J’s and turning it over attacking the rack. Midway through the second half, the top ten recruit turned it on and showed why he’s one of the nation’s best. He got to the line frequently, attacked the offensive glass, and threw down a few ridiculous dunks. All in all, it was an off night for Bridges, but he still showed glimpses of how special he can become.

Big thanks to Richard Shumaker Photography for the photos

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Check out the release below from our friends at the Nike:

As the summer comes to a close, the top high school players will travel to Nassau, Bahamas, August 19-23, 2015 for elite training, mentorship and competition. Athletes selected for the program are standouts from the 2015 Nike Elite Youth Basketball League, which included sessions in Hampton, VA, Lexington, KY, Houston, TX, Minneapolis, MN and the finals at Peach Jam in North Augusta, SC. The complete EYBL Select Team roster can be found below.

 

The EYBL Select Team will take the court at the Kenal G. L. Isaacs National Gymnasium in Nassau on August 20th and 21st for two days of intense training among the best of their peers. Individual skills will be the focus of the practices led by coach Miles Simon, collegiate national champion and current ESPN analyst. With just 12 players in rotation for drills, athletes will be expected to keep with the summer’s Nike EYBL theme of #ShowAndProve

 

Just as importantly, players will be provided essential tools to develop critical off-court skills to their future success. These sessions will focus on sports psychology, nutrition, life skills, media training and increasing players’ social media savvy and personal brand development.

 

“This trip is about taking things to the next level – elevating training regimens and creating a competitive atmosphere among the top players in our program” said Carlton DeBose, Director of Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball. “This will be a great opportunity for players to showcase their individual work ethic, competitiveness and character as we ask them to train alongside the stars of the future.”

 

The rigorous training period will culminate with an exhibition game versus the Bahamian National Select Team on August 22nd at 5 p.m. local time at the Isaacs National Gymnasium. The event will be open to the public, as well as NBA scouts, and will be a unique opportunity for the EYBL Select Team to showcase their talents while engaging with the local community.

EYBL Select Team Roster

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The inaugural LeBron James Classic takes place at The LeBron James Arena on the campus of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (STVM) on December 20th and 21st, featuring the top teams and players from national and local schools.

 

This event promises to be one of the nation’s best showcase events, in just its first year of existence. Host school, STVM plays national stalwart St. Benedict’s on Saturday and a long awaited meeting with Jackson High School on Sunday. STVM is a 6-time boy’s basketball Ohio High School State Champion (1984, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2009, 2013) and is a perennial power. LeBron James VM03, kept a promise to his alma mater last year by donating over $1 million dollars to renovate the school’s gymnasium and to be renamed in his honor. James led the Fighting Irish to three states titles and one national title in four seasons and has won two more NBA championships with the Miami Heat while establishing himself as the best basketball player in the world. His return to Cleveland has energized Northeast Ohio. He is excited to have this event with his namesake at his old school.

 

“We are excited to host the inaugural LeBron James Classic. The response has been great, as we have put together a great showcase of top national and local teams. Fans in this area will be treated to some great high school basketball.” — Dru Joyce, St. Vincent-St. Mary Boys Basketball Coach

 

December 20, 2014 

12:30pm St. Vincent – St. Mary (Akron, OH) vs Perry (Lake County, OH)*Girls Game

1:45pm Fairless (Navarre, OH) vs John Hay (Cleveland, OH)

3:30pm Bogan (Chicago, IL) vs Bowman (Gary, IN)

5:15pm Cathedral (Indianapolis, IN) vs Huntington Prep (Huntington, WV)

7:00pm St. Vincent – St. Mary (Akron, OH) vs St. Benedict’s (Newark, NJ)

8:30pm Cleveland Central Catholic (Cleveland, OH) vs Morgan Park (Chicago, IL)

 

December 21, 2014

1:00pm Buchtel (Akron, OH) vs Garfield Heights (Garfield Hts, OH)

2:45pm Shaker Heights (Shaker Hts, OH) vs St. Benedict’s (Newark, NJ)

4:30pm Timken (Canton, OH) vs Huntington Prep (Huntington, WV)

6:15pm St. Vincent – St. Mary (Akron, OH) vs Jackson (Massillon, OH)

8:00pm John Hay (Cleveland, OH) vs Clinton Christian (Upper Marlboro, MD)

 

 

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In a back and forth contest, with individual matchups spontaneously arising along the way, Team NYC defeated Team USA, 137-135.

Below are some thoughts and observations on the top performers at the event. The talent at the event really was top-notch; from my perspective, a handful of the participants have a real chance of getting drafted into the NBA, while the majority will at least make a noticeable impact at the high-major level.

MVPs (named by event organizers)
Team USA: Dwayne Bacon (overall event MVP), Malik Beasley
Team NYC: Antonio Blakeney, Rawle Alkins

—

TEAM USA

Dwayne Bacon
SG/SF, 6-6, 195, 2015
Oak Hill Academy (VA)

It’s becoming clear that Bacon is the most complete scorer in the country. After dropping a tournament-high 43 points in last month’s Reebok Classic, the 6-6 shooting guard poured in a ridiculous 58 points during Friday’s scrimmage, followed by a smooth 33 on Saturday.

Bacon has excellent size for a wing (6-6, strong upper body), explosive athleticism and the natural ability to score from all three levels. He consistently makes contested jumpers, both off the catch and dribble, and he can use timely head-fakes to attack close-outs and get his defender to bite. If defenders take away his shot, Bacon establishes excellent triple-threat position, where he can use his strong shoulders and controlled explosiveness to attack off the bounce and finish at the cup. Over the course of two days, when Bacon let the ball fly, the result was nearly automatic.

Even more impressive than his scoring ability, however, is how Bacon approaches the game: with a very serious and business-like demeanor. He doesn’t take plays off, which helps him sustain his scoring prowess for four quarters. Overall, Bacon’s combination of size and gifted scoring ability make him a top-10 player in the country, and a probable candidate to go one-and-done.

Miles Bridges
SF, 6-7, 225, 2016
Huntington Prep (WV)

Over the past two years, Bridges has incrementally expanded his game out to the perimeter—he was a low-post power forward as a freshman, a stretch-forward as a sophomore, and now, entering his junior year, he’s evolved into a true small forward.

Bridges still has a big-man frame, with broad shoulders and a strong trunk, only now he’s more comfortable handling the ball on the perimeter. The result is a dynamic package of inside-outside skills, both scoring and rebounding the ball. Bridges demonstrated a consistent catch-and-shoot three-pointer, as well as the ability to attack off the bounce with either hand and glide through the air. He has quickness and strength on the perimeter, as well as explosiveness and a second jump through the lane.

Add in a proven post-up game from his younger days, and Bridges has the makings of a top-10 player in his class. He can score from anywhere on the floor, rebound his position, and lead the break. If he can add another inch or two to his frame—to get around 6-9 or 6-10—then Bridges has a chance to be the No. 1 player in the Class of 2016. There’s not a lot the multifaceted forward can’t do.

Stephen Zimmerman
PF, 6-11, 220, 2015
Bishop Gorman (NV)

A 6-11 lefty stretch forward in the mold of Chris Bosh and Greg Monroe, Zimmerman operates smoothly with a soft touch in and around the lane.

“Big Zimm” has numerous impressive on-court attributes, but above all, he brings an incredible basketball IQ for a 6-11 player. He can face up at the high post, where he scans the floor with terrific court vision, or he can be a dual threat on the pick-and-roll, able to pop out for a 15-foot jumper or finish a pocket pass. He also runs the floor very well, with quickness and athleticism to get ahead of the defense and dunk it home.

Zimmerman’s ability to perform at a high level without dominating the ball makes him a coveted prospect. But if there’s one critique I have, it’s that sometimes Zimmerman tries too hard to play like a guard. When he grabs a defensive rebound, he should give the ball up right away, not try to dribble up the court. When Zimmerman did indeed let the guard handle the ball in the open floor, he usually got it back for an easy layup.

Zimmerman’s shooting and passing ability make him an elite prospect, but as the competition gets better, he must learn to stay within the confines of his game and not force the play.

Malik Beasley
SG, 6-4, 185, 2015
St. Francis School (GA)

This was my first time seeing Beasley, and I left very impressed. The 6-4 shooting guard is a terrific athlete who can fly in the open floor, as well as knock down shots off the dribble. He has a smooth three-point jumper, and can also attack off the dribble, finishing head-level with the rim. He also competes like a dog, hounding opposing players defensively and always in attack mode offensively. Beasley must continue to flash a consistent jump shot and polish his handle, to find a consistent offensive rhythm. If he does, he will make significant impact on the college level due to his explosiveness and competitiveness, with a chance at the pros.

Corey Sanders
PG, 6-2, 170, 2015
Lakeland High School (FL)

From a “talent” perspective, I believe Sanders could end up as the best pure point guard in 2015 (specifically PGs, not combo guards or SGs). He’s an NBA athlete, has blazing speed, and is an absolute dog defensively, bringing an intensity and moxie hardly seen at the high school level. Sanders can shut down any point guard when he’s locked in, forcing steals and getting into the opponent’s head. He picks up his man at the point of attack and doesn’t back off until the job is done.

Offensively, Sanders is a bit of a work in progress, but he has a solid handle to initiate the offense and penetrate, adequate court vision to dish it off, and the athleticism to finish at the cup. He can burst through the lane and make a high-level decision. But he must be more consistent and locked in at the beginning of games if he’s going to be entrusted with running a team and realize his potential.

Carlton Bragg
SF/PF, 6-9, 220, 2015
Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School (OH)

Bragg’s shooting and quickness make him a mismatch at the power forward position. He can knock down perimeter shots, or attack off the bounce and finish above the rim. He’s a matchup problem, able to bring opposing PFs to the perimeter, and back down smaller SFs.

But as he goes forward, Bragg must also realize there are ways besides scoring to make an impact—rebounding, playing defense, running the floor, etc. Right now he looks for the ball on the wing, and if he doesn’t receive it, he’s prone to coasting for possessions at a time. He’s talented, but has to round out his game.

Kobi Simmons
SG, 6-5, 180, 2016
St. Francis School (GA)

Simmons is lethal shooting off the dribble, particularly in terms of scoring in bunches. He’s most effective stepping into a long-range jumper, using his size to see over the defense and knock it down. Simmons is a dominant scorer at the high school level, a player who opposing defenses must always keep an eye on. He can hit 6 or 7 threes in a game with ease.

But Simmons must get stronger to round out his game and carve out a more defined role at the next level. He’s too weak right now, incapable of creating separation on the drive. Simmons’ overall offensive arsenal is limited due a lack of strength.

But he’s only a junior, with an elite shooting touch and a crisp perimeter handle. Let’s see if Simmons can add muscle and really slide into the “shooting guard” mold.

Ladarrius Chester
PG, 6-1, 200, 2015
Arlington Country Day (FL)

Chester is a well-built point guard with freakish athletic exploits. He is best suited in an uptempo game, where he can run the floor and finish above the rim, but Chester also flashed an improved half-court game this year. He’s still a secondary ball handler in my opinion, but he now plays with more poise in the half court. He swings the ball, cuts through, directs his teammates, and can then attack when a lane presents itself. The next step for Chester, however, still is to improve his jumper, as he can be all over the place.

Damon Wilson Jr
PG, 6-5, 200, 2015
Our Savior New American (NY)
Committed to Pittsburgh

Wilson projects to be a solid multi-year combo guard at Pitt. The 6-5 lefty is more of a secondary ball handler right now, as he can be flustered by defensive resistance. But he has terrific size for a guard, is quick and shifty in the lane, and has a smooth perimeter jump shot. Wilson probably won’t take over games, and he doesn’t standout in any particular facet, but his size, quickness and scoring ability will make him a reliable do-everything guard in the ACC, and someone to monitor going forward.

Mario Kegler
SF, 6-7, 220, 2016
Arlington Country Day (FL)

Kegler has good size for a small forward, standing at 6-7 with an already developed frame. His physical stature and explosive athleticism make him a terrific finisher in transition, as well as a tough cover on the wing. But Kegler is lacking a consistent jump shot right now, and his intensity oscillates in a game setting, making way for him to disappear for long periods of time. Far too often, it seemed that Kegler was standing alone on an island, unsure of what to do when he had the ball in his hands. He has time to develop (he’s a junior), though; also, he didn’t seem to be 100 percent healthy at the event, so take this evaluation with a few grains of salt.

Christian Popoola Jr
PG, 6-4, 180, 2017
Lone Peak High School (UT) – starting in Fall

Popoola has grown about three inches and gained considerable bounce since I first saw him two years ago. The lefty is a lead guard who loves to operate out of the pick and roll. He can shoot coming off a screen going left, or attack a crease and finish with a floater. Popoola’s competitive desire and handle give him a chance to create offense every time he’s on the floor.

The next step is to tighten his jump shot and become more well-rounded. But Popoola has the time and proper support system to make that leap. He and Frank Jackson will make Lone Peak one of the most talented backcourts in the nation next season.

Jordan Harris
SG, 6-4, 170, 2016
Seminole County High School (GA)

A player buzzing with potential, Harris is only scratching the surface of where he’ll end up. The 6-4 lefty wing has a legitimate 40-inch vertical, and an automatic three-point jumper when he has room. He’s unknown in most circles, but don’t sleep—college coaches know all about him, and they’d prefer the buzz doesn’t leak out. Harris can jump out of the gym, and he makes shots. A bit small for a shooting guard, he’ll definitely need to improve his handle and develop some point guard skills, and must also add muscle to his frame. But right now, time is an asset. This was my first time seeing Harris play, so I’d be lying if I said I have a definitive opinion on him, but I’m looking forward to monitoring his development.

—

TEAM NYC

Antonio Blakeney
SG, 6-4, 170, 2015
Oak Ridge High School (FL)

Blakeney is a smooth shooting guard who can score in bunches. The ball comes out of his hand easily, as he can pull-up off the dribble from deep. Blakeney is a one-foot jumper in the open court, and a knockdown three-pointer shooter from all over. He reminds me of Archie Goodwin, in terms of his competitiveness and scorer’s touch, only Blakeney is a better shooter than Goodwin was at the same age.

The next step for Blakeney is to tighten his ball handling skills to create his own shot, and he must get stronger. These are two critical points. But the shooting ability and athleticism are certainly there.

Mustapha Heron
SG/SF, 6-4, 210, 2016
Sacred Heart High School (CT)
Committed to Pittsburgh

Heron, a 6-5 shooting guard, could double as a Division I running back. He has a strong upper body and high motor, and he takes pride in out-competing the competition and winning the war of attrition.

Heron has good size for a wing, and can handle the ball as a lead guard, putting pressure on the defense. His handle is excellent, which augments his strong body, as he can attack the basket from various angles and finish through contact. Heron must continue to tighten his jump shot, though, as defenders often back off and dare him to shoot. But his physical nature shines through when he penetrates the lane, and when he pursues rebounds from the wing.

Defensively, Heron can realistically guard positions 1-through-3 in college. He’s quick enough to stay in front of shifty guards, and he’s strong enough to provide resistance on the drive. Heron’s strength, athleticism and quickness give him a high upside defensively. If his jump shot can tighten up offensively, he has all the tools to be an elite player at Pittsburgh.

Tremont Waters
PG, 5-11, 165, 2017
South Kent Prep (CT)

On the surface, Waters is a thinly-built diminutive point guard who looks physically outmatched.

But when the ball was tipped on Friday and Saturday, Waters quickly made it known that he was an absolutely elite player.

The rising sophomore is a first-class floor general, a mix of Tyus Jones and Shabazz Napier. Waters has Jones’ poise and handle, and Napier’s shot-making ability. He controls the pace of the game, sets up teammates with pin-point passes, and can create his own shot when the defense falls apart. Waters also showed the ability to guard, staying low in his stance and pressing up on bigger players. Waters did a very good job defending Damon Wilson, a 6-5 Pittsburgh commit.

Waters is virtually unknown to the media right now, but college coaches have taken notice, as he already has 13 high-major scholarship offers.

Besides his diminutive size and understandably weak frame, Waters didn’t display many weaknesses at the Big Strick Classic. I think he will end up as a top-3 point guard in the class.

Horace Spencer
PF, 6-9, 2015
Findlay Prep (NV)

Spencer is like the second coming of Kenneth Faried: a mobile and bouncy power forward who is looking to bang bodies and corral rebounds. He often doesn’t even look to receive the ball on offense; instead, he’s thirsting to go after a rebound. Spencer has the highest motor in the Class of 2015, save for maybe Cheick Diallo, and he seems to gain energy late in games. He is very unpolished offensively—he’s not very capable beyond running the floor for an alley-oop, or finishing a put-back—but his size, defense, motor and athleticism give him a Faried-like upside, and he should make an impact at the college level from day one.

Steve Enoch
PF, 6-10, 220, 2015
Norwalk High School (CT)

Only 16 years old, Enoch is a bouncy forward who plays with great activity in and around the lane. He runs the floor exceptionally well, but can also step out and knock down the 15-foot jumper with consistency. Enoch runs the floor, can spread the defense with his jumper, and rebounds with urgency. He’s also a terrific on-ball defender, with the athleticism to alter and reject shots in the lane.

Enoch has had a meteoric rise this summer, and he continued his strong play at the Big Strick. He should continue to make headlines as he looks to develop a true post game. Everything else—size, rebounding, mid-range shooting—is already there.

Rawle Alkins
SG, 6-4, 175, 2016
Christ The King (NY)

Alkins showcased considerable improvement from last summer. He’s a big-bodied guard who can physically overpower opponents on the drive and finish eye-level at the rim. He’s like a pit bull, very strong and determined to penetrate the lane. Alkins is also extremely polished finishing with his left hand, making him a dual threat on the drive.

The next step for Alkins is to tighten his handle, and also to continue to work on his jumper. His shot comes off flat right now. He must get some arc on it.

Alkins’ jumper needs work, but he has elite size, strength and finishing ability for a wing player.

Temple Gibbs
PG, 6-2, 180, 2016
Seton Hall Prep (NJ)

Temple Gibbs, little brother to Ashton (Pitt) and Sterling (Seton Hall), is developing into a very solid point guard, with a chance at being elite. Temple has a wide trunk and a strong frame, which enables him to consistently penetrate and finish around the rim. He can also knock down the three-point shot when his feet are set.

The next step for Gibbs is to tighten his jump shot. His driving ability and strength are there, but his outside shot needs to develop as he faces stronger and more physical competition.

Omari Spellman
PF, 6-9, 270, 2016
The MacDuffie School (MA)

Spellman reminds me of North Carolina sophomore Kennedy Meeks, except Spellman is more athletic and fluid. He can easily shoot from the low block, mid-post or perimeter. He has a soft touch on his jump shot, great ball control facing-up to the basket, and a good handle for his size.

Spellman must improve his motor and his interior scoring arsenal, but to his credit, he’s very advanced skill-wise (shooting, cutting, athleticism at the basket) for a junior.

Rashond “Ray” Salnave
PG, 6-1, 190, 2016
Cardozo High School (NY)

Salnave is a deadeye shooter who makes deep three-pointers with ease. He can catch-and-shoot from far away, or attack hard close-outs and step in for a one-dribble pull up. Salnave doesn’t have much of an arsenal besides shooting, though, but he’s a tough competitor, a good athlete, and he’s very young for a junior (16 years old). Salnave just led Cardozo to an unexpected city championship, and if he continues to develop—whether sharpening his jumper to become a specialist, or improving his point guard skills—Salnave could end up as a prominent high-major guard.

Photos courtesy of Jon Lopez Photography

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